NDPD and Carlton announce distracted driving patrolsThe Newberg-Dundee and Carlton police departments are observing Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April with enhanced patrols to target distracted driving, especially cell phone use, in pedestrian heavy areas and construction zones. Drivers distracted by using mobile communication devices in these areas are more likely to cause injuries or property damage from crashes, NDPD officials stated. Both departments are receiving funding for extra patrols through grants and in partnership with Oregon Impact. In October 2024, Carlton PD received a distracted driving enforcement grant from Oregon Impact and Oregon Department of Transportation. CPD Chief Kevin Martinez said, “The grant provides funding for high visibility enforcement which will consist of extra time on the streets enforcing distracted driving laws and is meant to deter people from driving while using mobile electronic devices.”According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving was a contributing factor in 3,308 traffic fatalities in 2022.